There are great stories, and then there are stories that deserve a whole soundtrack. That’s why this October 7, music acts like The Cardinals, Chameleon, and DJ Beks are joining forces with Beavertown for Soundtrack Stories at Whelan’s. A place where storytelling, music and Beavertown Neck Oil pints will unite.

Ireland has always had a strong history of storytelling. For many Irish people, storytelling isn’t just a pastime, it’s woven into their DNA. For centuries, stories, songs, and music have shared history, folklore, memories, jokes and so much more.

The roots of Irish storytelling stretch back to the ancient Celts, whose society was rich with oral traditions. Long before writing was common, the druids and bards were the keepers of knowledge, passing it down from generation to generation. And music hasn’t steered far from that tradition either. Songs and stories became intertwined, preserving experiences that might otherwise have disappeared.

Today, storytelling in Ireland continues to thrive, evolving with new mediums while preserving its historical roots. The settings might have changed, but the sentiment hasn’t. We still tell stories around tables, at pubs, and often to anyone who will listen.

That’s exactly what’s about to happen in Dublin. Beavertown is bringing Soundtrack Stories to Whelan’s on 7th October. This event will pair live music with those special kind of stories that unexpectedly come out towards the end of the night. But this time, there is a difference. Those stories are getting a soundtrack.

What’s so compelling about this event is that it shows that even in a new world of music technologies, genre boundaries, and different stages, the act of storytelling remains a constant. Soundtrack Stories takes something Ireland has been doing forever and gives it a new format, with a live house band responding to stories as they’re being told.

Besides the storytellers. there will also be very exciting performers on the night. On the bill are Cardinals, Chameleon and DJ Beks alongside hosts and comedians Meg Reilly and Ross McCarney. Cardinals and Chameleon will also turn from musicians to storytellers, where both acts will share the stories and moments that have shaped their music.

And of course, storytelling doesn’t exist without an audience. But for Soundtrack Stories, the audience will have a bigger part to play than usual. We want you, the audience to share your stories too. And better yet, you will get a soundtrack while you narrate your chronicles.

On arrival, guests can submit the opening line of a story. Selected guests will have their own stories soundtracked live by the Beavertown Soundtrack Stories house band. So why not get up there and share what you’ve got? That story your mates have heard so many times, but each time you tell it, it seems to get better. We want to hear it! This is your chance to tell that story you always whip out in the pub, but this time to the whole pub, with a full live band behind you.

You bring the story. They bring the soundtrack. This is a night of oversharing and no judgement. And, if you get up there, you could walk away with some Beavertown merch too.

Cork band Cardinals have spoken about the power of storytelling, lyricism and the power of sharing: “If art is therapeutic then it only succeeds at that when a piece is open to interpretation. Once we release something it is then in the public domain and any ‘meaning’ that we had previously ascribed to the song is gone. It asks more of the listener and in turn is more rewarding. We have always wanted people to see themselves in the music because that’s where its power comes from.”

Maybe this is why storytelling and music have remained such an integral part of Irish culture. Both take something personal and pass it on for people to decipher, interpret and potentially pass on again. Soundtrack Stories may be new, but it reminds us of an age-old tradition that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. A tradition of gathering people together, tell a good story, and of embracing great music.

Beavertown Soundtrack Stories takes place at Whelan’s on 7th October at 7pm.. Tickets are €10, with all proceeds going to Music Network. For €10, you’ll get a complimentary pint of Beavertown Neck Oil on arrival, access to live performances from The Cardinals, Chameleon and DJ Beks, and a unique night where stories and music come together. Get your tickets here.

Over 18s only. Please enjoy Beavertown Neck Oil responsibly.